A review of ‘The Shanghai Circle’ by a member of the Online Book Club on the 9th of November 2023

4 out of 5 stars

I’ll give the book a solid 4 out of 5 because it was well written and has a nice pacing with a very nice ending, but not as much romance as I would have liked.

This is an amazing read. Although it was really sad toward the end, it was awesome. It started with a bang, leaving me as a reader in anticipation for what came next. The introduction of the characters was smooth, and the history of Shanghai in those times was eye-opening for someone who had never heard of it. It shared in-depth information on Shanghai’s strengths and culture and showed a clear distinction between how the poor and rich lived their lives.

The triads, gangs, prostitution, drugs, and violence without mincing any words—how and what happened during the war crimes committed against them by Japan—are really disheartening to learn.

The characters felt like living, breathing people; that’s how well they were written. The thoughts, choices, and feelings felt very real, like watching a 3D movie. I felt happy, confused, dissatisfied, proud, and angry at the characters in this book. It was wonderful how they ended up stronger and brighter, even with what fate threw at them.

I can’t wait to read the next instalment of their life in Hong Kong.

The book had moral lessons, showed us the causes and consequences of actions, and showed us how karma definitely catches up with us all. I really can’t wait for the next book. No stone was left unturned in this book, and the writer was not stingy with the tragedy either. I’m just thankful they all had happy endings, which is a little ominous because it has another book. The characters were wonderful, and the writer was able to give us through them a taste of how the people of those times lived and survived.